Vision
July/August 71 No 68 House Magazine of Rank Xerox Mitcheldean Plant
Most of you will have seen from your tour of the
Plant not only that this is an efficient organisation
but also that the conditions under which people
work are first class,’ said Mr Charles Loughlin,
MP for West Gloucestershire, when he addressed
representatives attending the press launch of the
4000 at Mitcheldean on May 12. Mr Loughlin
came to the constituency in 1959 – the year we
produced our first xerographic machine – and so
was particularly delighted to be at the launching
of the 4000, having, as he put it. ‘grown up with
the various Xerox machines.’ Our visitors saw
4000 machines being assembled – an activity they
were advised would be built up in several months
time to a level similar to that which they had seen
in the 3600 production areas. They also visited
the 660 assembly area, the Machine Shop,
Standards Room, Reliability Laboratories and
Design Office. Here Mr Loughlin, Mr J. W.
Hackett, Controller of Corporate Communications,
and Mr Portman watch Harold Butler at work on
3600 main line assembly
Handing over to Mr Salmon RAY HAY VISITS MITCHELDEAN
Mr Peter Salmon joined us on May 17, and I
formally handed over to him the direct control of
Mitcheldean a month later. I know how he feels.
He is in much the same position as I was
eighteen months ago when, as the newly
appointed Deputy Director of Production, I took
over from Mr Wickstead the Acting General
Managership of Mitcheldean.
It may not be fully appreciated that it is often
easier for a new man to take over a declining
concern than a successful one such as
Mitcheldean, which is renowned for its shrewd
leadership and tested labour force. In the first
instance, criticism can be blunted by a sense of
failure of his predecessors. In the second, he is
very much on trial, and has to prove himself to his
new colleagues, before he can hope to succeed
in his job.
When Mr Wickstead first introduced me to senior
Mitcheldean management, he said that I was
inheriting an experienced team of men and
women who were responsible for the rapid and
successful expansion of Mitcheldean Plant, and
that I could rely on their co-operation and
whole-hearted support. I took careful note of
this statement. In the event, it proved to be
absolutely correct.
In my relatively short time here, we have increased
our labour force from less than 3,000 to 3,500:
increased our manufacturing and assembly
capability following the move of the 3600
Assembly into the then new building, and the
Machine Shop into the old 3600 Assembly area
set up and supported 3600 Assembly at Venray
and led the installation and expansion of other
assembly and manufacturing facilities at that
Plant. We have opened up a satellite
manufacturing plant at Cinderford, and are now
building a new warehouse at Mitcheldean. On top
of this, we have started up production of our most
exciting new product to date – the 4000.
2
All this was successfully accomplished without
any significant loss of production. It was a
tremendous achievement and we have every right
to be proud of it.
It was accomplished by the enthusiasm and
guidance of Mr Fred Wickstead, and by the
unqualified co-operation which both he and I
have had from the entire work force at
Mitcheldean.
I now take over full-time my responsibilities for
the entire production and manufacturing effort of
P.S.O.D., handing over Mitcheldean to
Peter Salmon. He can rely on you.
Thank you very much.
Deputy Director, Operations
Raymond A. Hay, a member of the Boards of
Directors of Xerox Corporation and Rank Xerox
Limited, visited Mitcheldean on Thursday, June 10,
with Mr R. M. ‘Bob* Pippitt, Deputy Managing
Director of Rank Xerox.
Ray Hay, who is Xerox Corporation’s Executive
Vice-President responsible for the Business
Products Group of Xerox Corporation in the
United States, Xerox of Canada Limited, Rank
Xerox Limited and Xerox Latin American Division,
came to Mitcheldean to discuss future plans with
Mr Wickstead and his senior colleagues, to meet
Mitcheldean managers and shop floor personnel,
and to see for himself the facilities and
capabilities of Mitcheldean Plant.
Addressing Mitcheldean managers during lunch
Ray Hay said : ‘Xerox Corporation and Rank Xerox
have great strengths for the planned future
business expansion and profit growth, due to their
combined manufacturing ability to make up
programme slippages and to overcome problems
in getting products into the market place.
‘Xerox Corporation recognises that manufacturing
is a most important part of our business, and
represents our new competitive strength in our
Accompanied by RX 4000 Assembly Manager
Ralph Zimmermann, Ray Hay (far right) exchanges
a joke with assembly operators Gunther Matthes
and (far left) George Payne.
strong capital based world-wide engineering,
manufacturing and marketing organisation.
‘I have been in Marketing a very long time and, in
my view, there have never been greater
opportunities to benefit from sharing the
Marketing, Engineering, and Manufacturing
knowledge and experience of Xerox Corporation,
Rank Xerox and Fuji Xerox. A world-wide
effective communications link has been clearly
established.’
Referring to the newly launched model, Ray Hay
said : ‘I have never seen a product as exciting as
RX 4000. Reaction from customers in the U.S.
who have had the machine on their premises for
up to six months has been very good.’
Thanking Mitcheldean for its past achievements
and current support, Ray Hay concluded :
‘Mitcheldean’s expertise will be called upon more
than ever before under corporate plans to expand
manufacturing around the world.’
During his tour of the Plant, Ray Hay took every
opportunity to meet and talk with as many
manufacturing and assembly people as possible
during the short time at his disposal. Before he
left Mitcheldean, he apologised for not having
time to meet more people at the Plant, and
asked for his thanks to be conveyed to those who
were responsible for making his visit both
worthwhile and enjoyable. J.H.
3
OLD FRIENDS – NEW VENUE
The choice of the Chase Hotel, Ross-on-Wye, for
the 18th annual dinner of the Long Service
Association on May 7 met with wide approval
from the 200 or so members present, and the
evening went with a swing.
Mr Mal Thomas, Managing Director and Chief
Executive of Rank Xerox, and Mr Robert Pippitt,
Deputy Managing Director, had both accepted
invitations but unfortunately business
commitments prevented their attending.
Mr Wickstead, President of the LSA, had,
however, brought along a taped message from
Mr Thomas and this was played back during the
dinner (see opposite). Chairman Mr Henry Phillips
asked for our thanks to be conveyed to Mr
Thomas and said he hoped the latter would be
able to make it next year.
Proposing the toast to the association, Mr
Wickstead mentioned his visit to America in
recent months during which he had an
opportunity of talking to some of the old Bell &
Howell people. Two in particular had asked him
to pass on to the assembled company their best
wishes for a successful evening and a successful
association in the future – Ted Carlsen and
Harold Peterson, who were both resident B & H
engineers at Mitcheldean some years ago.
There was also news of Frank Jessup, who
headed the sales department in the Bell & Howell
days; he was, said Mr Wickstead, looking bronzed
and fit and enjoying married life in Florida. ‘He
hopes to visit Mitcheldean this summer and is
looking forward to seeing round the Plant and
shaking hands with some of his past colleagues.’
Mr Wickstead made reference to the possibility of
improved benefits fcr the older members of the
Company. ‘I hope that what we will be able to do
in the foreseeable future will be appreciated by all
members,’ he said. He extended a particular
welcome to retired members and proposed a very
sincere vote of thanks to the members of the
committee ‘who have worked so hard on our
behalf for a marvellous LSA.’
The toast to the guests was made by Mr R. E.
Baker: extending a welcome to all of them, he
mentioned two in particular – George Burnham,
who worked in the Design Office in the early
1940’s, and ‘a dear friend who has worked so
hard for the association’ – Miss ‘Topsy’ Holder,
LSA group secretary.
Our guests from other Long Service associations
within the group included Mrs E. Stansbury and
Mrs M. Ostler (Rank Bush Murphy, Plymouth) ;
Messrs G. Burnham and P. Jefferys (Rank Bush
Murphy, Chiswick) ; Messrs J. Prior and A. Hall
(Rank Audio Visual, Brentford) : Messrs Milne
and Rogers (Rank Taylor Hobson, Leicester); and
Messrs Britton and Guy (Rank Kershaw, Leeds).
In replying to the toast, Mr D. R. Portman said it
was a very enjoyable occasion for him and he
thanked members for their hospitality which was
greatly appreciated.
Speeches over, the speakers were able to relax,
the committee enjoyed the relief of knowing that
all was going well, and everyone, full of good
food and bonhomie, was set to enjoy a relaxing
evening. Miss Kate Matthews took full advantage
of this opportunity to make ‘a soft sell’ of raffle
tickets to raise funds for the retired members’
outing on June 22.
She already had £45 in the kitty and to this she
managed to add a further £43. (see page 12).
One for the album – the 25-year award winners
pictured with Mr Wickstead and Mr Phillips after
the presentation: Les Davies (Works Laboratory
Manager); Chris Ma Isom (Tool Room); Horace
Wint/e (Paint Shop); and Tom Morgan
(electrician, Works Engineering).
Message from Mr Mal Thomas
As I am sure you know from your own personal
experience, the international demand for our
products has far exceeded anything we have
known in the past. In the twelve months to the
end of October, 1970, our sales totalled E163
million – an increase of 31 per cent compared
with the previous year. In other words, we
achieved in that one year sales equal to all the
sales made by the Company in the first decade of
its existence – that is, the ten years to 1967.
You may be interested to know that a few weeks
ago Fred Wickstead, Derek Portman and I and the
other Directors took part in the Xerox World
Communications Conference, and I had the
opportunity to tell the conference about the
progress we have made in all aspects of our
business including the developments here at
Mitcheldean.
Xerox Corporation is, of course, vitally interested
in the success and development of Rank Xerox
and I can tell you that they share our pride in
what has been achieved. Rank Xerox has just
received its second Queen’s Award to Industry
for export achievement. The exports for which
that award was given were of course principally
those from Mitcheldean. In reporting the awards,
the Financial Times mentioned Rank Xerox as one
of the companies on which the UK volume export
performance is founded.
Thank you for the vital part which you and your
colleagues at Mitcheldean have played in the
development of Rank Xerox. I know how great a
workload has fallen on many of our staff and
particularly on those who have served the
Company all through the explosive growth period
of the 1960’s.
We have been looking very closely at the
conditions of employment and we shall shortly
be announcing some improvements in certain
conditions which will be beneficial to the longer
service employees in particular and to the older
employees.
ANY NEWS FOR VISION?
If you have, then please
tell your departmental correspondent
leave it at either Gate House for collection by me
Looking ahead, it will not surprise you to know
that we shall be calling for even greater efforts in
the future. One knowledgeable commentator
recently stated ‘Rank Xerox is probably the
fastest growing company of its size in the world
and prospects remain very encouraging.’
Our parent companies, the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, the press and the business world, all
look to us to keep up our rate of progress. I am
confident that we have all the elements necessary,
not only to satisfy them, but to astonish them.
Let me list just a few :
We are backed by Xerox Corporation, one of
the business wonders of the post-war world.
We have the benefit of their extensive research
and development programme. Some of their
latest developments were shown to us at the
Conference to which I referred earlier. They
represent exciting advances and their
manufacture will call for every ounce of
engineering skill which we can command.
We have built up a formidable Marketing
organisation in more than 36 countries.
During a recent 11-week sales drive in the
UK, for example, our sales force placed nearly
1,700 3600s.
Our greatest strength of all – we have a total
staff of nearly 20,000 people, many of them
highly trained and highly skilled in our
business-an exceptionally able and energetic
body of people.
Because the growth of the Company has been so
rapid and so recent, not many of us would qualify
for membership in the Long Service Association.
All the more reason for us to value the
commitment of the Company and the depth of
knowledge and experience represented by your
Association. With these resources we can face
the future with confidence.
post it to me at Tree Tops, Plump Hill,
Mitcheldean or
ring me- it’s Drybrook 415
Myrtle Fowler, Editor
4 5
Morris Men At Mitcheldean
You may perhaps be enjoying a stroll in the
sunshine at Symonds Yat one Sunday afternoon
with your nearest and dearest when you hear the
sound of bells. Is it the romantic in you coming
to the surface? Hardly, for the peace is then
shattered by the clashing of sticks. Your pace
quickens and as you round the log cabin you are
almost pounced on by a man, or two or more,
brandishing a stout stick.
Not to worry – you have just met the Royal
Forest of Dean Morris Men and they don’t go in
for beating people up, at least not any more.
Their cudgels are merely the necessary props for
a stick dance.
Having dodged the flailing sticks, your eye will
be caught by the jingling bells tied below the knee
(the official term is ‘ruggles’) and the multicoloured
rag shirts which are the traditional gear
for Forest of Dean Morris dances.
One or two of their faces may be instantly
recognisable. Hardly surprising, because
two-thirds of the 15-strong band work here at
Mitcheldean. It is a pleasant thought that while
Rank Xerox has introduced a new industry to the
Forest area, some of its employees are at the
same time helping to preserve a part of its
traditional culture.
Morris dancing was popular in the Forest in days
gone by but unfortunately feelings between
localities used to run high and the original Forest
of Dean side came to an abrupt end in 1884,
when a fight with a rival group resulted in a
fatality.
The side was revived by the present squire
(chairman) in Easter 1969, though it got off to a
somewhat shaky start. After finding a suitable
room in which to practise (in a pub in true
Morris style) the side proceeded to learn a stick
dance. All went famously until the dance entailed
striking the floor with the stick butts. The
landlady, who had previously been very hospitable,
ran upstairs and put an end to the proceedings,
complaining that the vibrations were upsetting
the locals’ game of dominoes in the bar below.
The dancers quickly found other premises and,
they hoped, a more understanding host. Alas,
while trying out yet another stick dance, one of
the more enthusiastic men drove his stick through
the ceiling.
The landlord was none too pleased and the
unlucky Morris Men bowed out most apologetically
to the Lamb Inn at Coleford when this closed
last year they moved on again, this time
appropriately enough to the centre of the Forest,
the Speech House, where they practise today.
6
Morris is a very interesting and absorbing pastime
which attracts people from all walks of life. It is
steeped in tradition and has close connections
with all folk activities, including singing and
dancing.
Periodically Morris Men from all over the country
attend ‘ring meetings’ or rallies, held at various
centres. The Forest side attended one at
Manchester not so long ago and as a result of
what happened there a certain misunderstanding
may since have arisen between the Scots and the
Americans!
It was Mike Wilding’s fault. Mike acts as bagman
(secretary and treasurer) and also as fool to
amuse the audience. His clowning on this
occasion led an American lady tourist and her
children to believe a haggis is a furry creature
which lives on the Scottish moors, like grouse !
Throughout the summer the Forest of Dean Men
will be active on local tours and at fetes. Should
you meet one, don’t hesitate to question him on
his unusual hobby – but make sure first he isn’t
brandishing his stick. We don’t want history to
be repeated !-D.R.B.
The Morris Men are accompanied on the melodion,
a type of piano accordion, by Dave Byett (Accounts).
Other members of the side from Rank Xerox are
Bob Bowers (Production Planning Assistant), Sam
Buffin (Reliability), Ben Davis (Production
Assistant, Progress), Nick Evans (Production
Control), Pete Symonds (Machine Shop Inspection),
Derek Porter (Purchase), Pete Rutsch (Works
Laboratory), Richard Davies (Production Assistant)
and Mike Wilding (Divisional Procurement).
A bunched handkerchief in either hand, the MOMS
Men dance ‘Jockey to the Fair’ at Mitcheldean’s
carnival on June 19
Visitors from Venray
Dr Ch. J. M. A. van Rooy (Queen’s Commissioner
for the Province of Limburg), Drs F. G. L. L. Schols
(Burgomaster of Venray) and H. R. Nelissen (a
leading Dutch industrialist) were guests of
Mr Wickstead at Mitcheldean on June 18.
Accompanied by Mr Len Stierman, General
Manager of the Rank Xerox Venray Plant. which is
situated in Limburg Province, they came to broaden
their knowledge of the assembly, manufacturing
and engineering capabilities of our Company.
During lunch Mr Wickstead presented each visitor
with a copy of the recently published book The
Industrial History of Dean, autographed by the
author. Senior Verderer Dr Cyril Hart who was at
one time Personal Assistant to Mr Wickstead, and
also a copy of The Official Guide of the Wyedean
Tourist Board, autographed by Mr Wickstead who
is President of the Wye Valley and Royal Forest of
Dean Tourist Board.
Referring to the development at Venray,
Mr Wickstead said : ‘I hope your tour of our Plant
has given you assurance of what can be done and
what is being done to support our activities at
Venray.’
Also with the party was Miss Yvonne van Rooy,
daughter of the Queen’s Commissioner: she was
taken on a tour of the Forest by Margaret Winch,
Mr John Hankin’s secretary, while the rest of the
party toured the Plant.
Our guests made a point of talking to shop floor
personnel while being shown round the Plant by
Mr Portman. Here the Burgomaster of Venray chats
with Tom Howells of the Machine Shop. They
met about two years ago when Tom was one of
the Mitcheldean men who were invited to attend
the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the
Venray area. Tom lost a leg in action there on
November 30,1944, while serving with the Royal
Welch Fusiliers.
The visitors returned to Holland that evening from
Bristol Airport on the Rank Organisation’s
HS 125 Executive Jet aircraft.
The Rector of 10,,Lheldean crowns ear-old
Janet Childs carnival queen. Janet, who works in
our canteen, had another ‘queen’ for her lady -inwaiting
-Jill Marshall, our current Miss Rank
Xerox, seen right. The carnival was organised by
a committee headed by Invoice Clearance
Supervisor Harcourt Davies.
I’m proud of the girls in blue and green’ said
Mr Wickstead when on May 7 he handed over a
cheque for £240 to Dr F. A. Hanna, chairman of
the Appeals Committee of the North Gloucestershire
Cobalt Unit Fund. This handsome sum was raised
by means of the recent dance and raffle organised
by the Medical Department. Our picture shows
Mr Wickstead, Dr Hanna (far right) and the
Works Medical Officer Dr Pauli with Sister Collins
and her staff at the presentation.
7
Staging a promotion on the scale of the Rank
Xerox 4000 press launch would appear to call for
almost as much precision work in its way as
producing the object of all the attention.
It necessitated arranging a programme of events
and (what is more difficult) keeping to its precise
timing ; providing transport and accommodation
for visitors from overseas; splitting the party of
guests into groups one minute. and preventing it
from coming unglued on the next; making sure
everything worked smoothly-all in all quite an
exercise.
But everything did go all right and the press are
reported as having been very impressed, which is
no mean achievement.
We at the Plant played a key part in the operation,
not only ‘behind the scenes’ producing the 4000,
but also ‘on stage’ both at the London conference
on May 11, and at Mitcheldean the following day
when we acted as hosts to the journalists from
some nine European countries.
It is difficult to assess accurately the success of
such a promotion, but some indication can be
gained from the resultant news coverage, and this
has been satisfyingly extensive in publications
both at home and abroad.
CAPITAL CONFERENCE
Introducing the new copier, Mr Mal Thomas,
Managing Director and Chief Executive of Rank
Xerox, told the UK and international press
representatives: ‘The 4000 out-performs all
other copiers, including our own, and is by far
the most advanced xerographic machine we have
yet produced.’
The build-up in the Company’s force, he said,
reflected our confidence in our current products
and in our new products, particularly the 4000.
It was hoped to have the first commercial
installations operating towards the end of this
year, with machines selling in European markets
by the latter part of 1972, and other overseas
areas following closely behind. ‘By 1973,’ he said,
‘the 4000 will become an important contributor
to our results.’
There was a lively question-and-answer session
after the audience had watched a demonstration
of the 4000 machine and had been told about its
technical innovations, its position in the market
and its relation to existing Rank Xerox machines.
On stage to answer the queries were Mr Mal
Thomas and top executives from headquarters,
together with Mr Portman and Mr Tony Burke,
Engineering Design Manager, from Mitcheldean.
In addition to two Mitcheldean-assembled 4000’s,
model 7000, 3600, 720 and 660 machines were
on view in the body of the hall, together with an
1824, an 1860 and a CFP.
COUNTRY TOUR
The day after the London conference, the press
representatives were brought to Mitcheldean –
not just for a breath of country air, but, as Mr
Portman pointed out when he welcomed them on
arrival, ‘to demonstrate the resources which lie
behind the manufacture of the 4000 machine,
and underline the great store of engineering
know-how which exists at Mitcheldean to back
up the production of such a complex technological
product.’
They heard of the Plant’s fantastic growth since
1959 when the first xerographic machine – the
914 – was made here and we had about 800
employees and 150,000 square feet of floor space,
to the present day when employees number
around 3,500 and the Plant has expanded to
cover 11 million square feet, with a new
International Distribution Centre which, when
complete, will be one of the largest industrial
buildings in the West of England.
Mr Wickstead was unable to attend, being in
Tokyo on Company business at the time, but he
conveyed his warmest greetings to all attending
the launch and his congratulations ‘on the
performance of the first pre-production 4000
machines.’
The party included representatives of the national
trade and technical press not only of this country
but also of Belgium, France, Germany, Holland,
Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Sweden, together
with executives of the respective Rank Xerox
operating companies.
THE 4000 MAKES A GOOD IMPRESSION . . .
Our guests lunching in the Social Centre of our
modern plant, together with key executives and
members of Management. The host was
Mr Derek Portman. with Mr Charles Loughlin, MP
for West Gloucestershire. as guest of honour.
8
1
ivir Mar I hornas welcomes our overseas guests
amid the very different surroundings of the
Stationers Hall in London, home of a livery
company whose business is related to our own.
They were joined at the reception by Mr Charles
Loughlin, MP for West Gloucestershire, and
Mr Sidney Matthews, principal scientific officer
for the South West Region of the Department of
Trade and Industry, and taken on a tour of the
Plant, At lunch in the Social Centre they were
shown a colour film of our 4000 activities at
Mitcheldean and were given ample opportunity to
ask any questions.
FILM ON LOCATION
Although not in the great tradition of the Rank
Organisation. in that it was not a professional but
an ‘off the cuff’ effort, the eight-minute 16 mm
colour film ‘RX 4000 at Mitcheldean’ was a
great success, and a number of Rank Xerox
operating companies have since asked for copies.
Taken by works photographer Jack Seal in
collaboration with Richard Coleman. it shows
activities in Design Engineering, Goods Inwards
Inspection, Data Processing, Small Batch and the
4000 pre-production line and sub-assemblies,
together with shots of work on the new IDC site.
The commentary, written by John Nankin and
Richard Coleman, is spoken by Colin Ward-Lewis
of the BBC.
Prior to the conference at the Royal Lancaster
Hotel on May 11, a contingent from our Plant
went to London to set up two Mitcheldeanassembled
4000 models for demonstration to, and
close examination by, the press in the body of the
hall. Thanks to their efforts, the machines behaved
impeccably. Pictured in London with Mr Portman
and Mr Burke is the Mitcheldean task force –
Owen Clark (QC), Stewart Jones (PED), Derek
Shutt /eworth (Design), Eric Knight (Supervisor.
4000 Assembly) and John Dudley (Design),
together with one of the machines and the CRO
who demonstrated its virtues to the press.
9
Winning Features
At the new model’s debut, attention was drawn
to the following attractive features of the copier :
Ability to copy automatically on both sides of
the paper, enabling documents such as contracts,
tax forms, insurance policies and property deeds
to be copied as single units rather than in two
parts. Copies from the first original document are
stored inside the machine and at the touch of a
button a second original can be reproduced on
the reverse side of these copies.
Double-sided copying is made possible by the
provision of two paper trays, and because of the
ease of changing from one to the other, two colours,
sizes or weights of paper can be used. One tray
can be replenished while the 4000 is working
from the other, permitting continuous operation
and allowing the greatest advantage to be
obtained from the machine’s speed of 43 copies
a minute.
High quality reproduction, even of halftone
pictures, solids and light blue or pencil originals –
particularly useful when copying much amended
documents, reports highlighted by charts and
photographs, etc.
Book copying is made easy by the fact that
the platen is located at the edge of the machine,
so the book does not need to be forced open.
Control buttons are clearly labelled and
illuminated signs show exactly what the machine
is doing at any moment. Any number of copies up
to 99 can be dialled ; maximum size for originals
and copy is 81 inches by 14 inches.
The toner – the black powder used to make
the copies – is loaded into the machine in 1 kg
slip-in cartridges, each containing enough to
make over 30,000 copies. Surplus toner is
automatically collected back from the drum for
re-use, increasing the machine’s economy.
No Room at the Inn
Reg Dixon, senior buyer (electrical), and Terry
Braden, assistant buyer, needed some overnight
accommodation near London Airport so as to be
able to catch an early flight to the Continent.
Rooms were kindly booked for them at an hotel
in Weybridge by some suppliers of ours, but the
letter which arrived confirming the reservation
puzzled our Purchase men somewhat. It went as
follows:
‘I have pleasure in confirming your reservation of
two single rooms for the night of Sunday 23rd May
in the names of Mr R. Dixon and Mr T. A. Braden.
10
The 4000 is compact (34 in. wide, 27 in.
deep and 43 in. high), quiet in operation and can
be plugged in to any normal office power socket.
A sophisticated system of fault diagnosis,
combined with plug-in electronic components,
enables a service engineer to carry out the
necessary repairs quickly in the event of a
breakdown.
Flanked by two 4000 machines, a panel of experts
answers questions at the conference in London.
They are (I to r): Mr John Bettelley, Programme
Manager 4000; Mr David Thompson, Director of
Customer Marketing; Mr Mal Thomas, Managing
Director and Chief Executive; Mr Mike Hughes,
Director of Forward Planning; Mr Tony Burke,
Design Engineering Manager, and Mr Derek
Portman, Deputy Director, Operations, from
Mitcheldean. Earlier the two machines were
demonstrated by CROs, while coloured slides
projected on to a large pull-down screen
illustrated in close-up the merits of the model.
‘The terms for the above accommodation are –
Mr Dixon. £4.25 with private bathroom, apartment
and breakfast; Mr Braden, £3.75 without private
bath, apartment and breakfast.
‘Assuring you of my prompt and personal service
at all times’ etc.
Even with the ‘prompt and personal service’
thrown in, the price quoted for Terry seemed a
bit steep if he had to pass the night sleeping in
the stables!
All was well, however – we hear that he was
provided with the essential B Et B after all.
Design All Stars
v PED
After some weeks of friendly antagonism between
Design Department and PED, a soccer match was
arranged to be played at Lydbrook on the evening
of May 6.
The match began in some confusion with players
arguing as to who played where. Mike Green
suggested his best position was scrum-half but
after some discussion it was decided that he
should play on the right wing (as much out of
the way as possible !).
After kick-off, spectators were surprised and
delighted (but more often amused) by the skill
and effort of the Design team who, with cunning
moves down the left wing by that well-known
acrobat Jim Saunders. were put ahead in the
twelfth minute by Mike Williams after a neat, if
mistaken header from inside right Bob Taylor;
earlier in the game Bob had missed a ‘sitter’ by
heading over the bar from about two yards out.
PED equalised through John Haggar.
The game progressed with some good moves and
goals (two scored by our would-be scrum-half)
with Design looking much the better team. Then
just before half-time the heavens opened and the
pitch soon became waterlogged. Play was
resumed after most of PED had left the pitch, but
they returned after shouts of ‘Get on with it !”
from the crowd.
Jim Saunders was persuaded to take off his
flippers and snorkel and the fun really began.
Ken Dobbs made a brilliant if unorthodox save
from a penalty kick by Charlie Brown of PED.
Tackles were hard and sometimes spectacular
and when Dave Weyman brought down John
Haggar, Mike Green awarded John a score of 9.4
for his perfectly executed belly flop into the mud
and water.
Mike Brain and ‘Deg’ Kear did some particularly
useful work in defence for Design and Malcolm
Bagguley was outstanding, if not upstanding, in
his efforts down the middle for Design, reminding
one of a wallowing hippo. He did however
manage to power-drive the ball home from the
edge of the penalty area, and after some sustained
effort by PED they managed to pull back two
goals by ‘Luigi’ Haines and Ron Caldicutt.
All 22 players were exhausted by the end of the
match. It must be admitted that without the
support from the ‘Lydbrook Kop’- Des Weyman,
Eric Weeks, Mike Ward and others that Design
would almost certainly not have played in such
splendid style and with such determination.
The final score of 6 -3 to Design was a fair result
and both spectators and players were pleased
with the match. Many thanks to Lydbrook AFC
for allowing the use of the paddyfield and the
showers, and to Roy Powell for refereeing in such
able fashion.-Bob Taylor (Design)
PED, led by John George (no relation to Charlie)
were convinced that theoretically they had won
the aforementioned match and that this so-called
theory could be put to the test. Hence a replay
was arranged for May 20 and played on the
famous Harrow Hill ‘slope’ (by courtesy of
Harrow Hill AFC).
What a difference ! With the sun on the PED
players’ backs, even the Brazilians would have
been struggling against such play. PED took the
lead when John Haggar climbed above the
defence, as if on a ladder, and headed a brilliant
goal into the far corner.
Their side completely dominated play, creating
chances by the dozen, but Design equalised when
Charlie (Bomber) Brown and John (Cat) Bond,
the PED keeper, played possum while Richard
Matthews nodded in.
PED took the lead again when John repeated his
first goal, only this time leaving Bob Taylor
clutching his head and appealing for a foul.
Referee Tony Kibble was not impressed, however,
and pointed to the centre circle.
The second half was the same as the first, with
PED creating chances and missing them, but the
continuous pressure brought two more goals
through John (a hotly disputed penalty) and
Dave Cox, the latter having at least 20 chances
and finally taking one.
The final score ending at 4 -1 in favour of PED
made the total aggregate 7 -7 which gives PED
the chance to prove that they are the real
champions.-Dave Robinson (PED)
11
LETTER
Thirty employees joined the Long Service
Association in January 1 971 , making the total
number at present 289, with 46 of them having
totted up 25 years or more service, reported
secretary Miss Doris Barker at the annual general
meeting held on May 3.
She was able to give some cheering news about
the six members who have been off work for
some time owing to ill-health. Mrs Marlene
Roberts has now been able to start work again on
a lighter job, Mrs Mamie Lark is progressing, and
Mrs May Stidder is continuing to recover from an
operation for arthritis of the hip.
Arthur Bevan hopes to be able to start soon after
a period of four years’ absence, while Joe Bennett
is having occupational therapy and is improving
sufficiently to enable him to make a fresh start
in the near future also. Neville Barnet remains
unable to work and would welcome a call from
any member who can manage it.
Treasurer Don Peates had given much thought to
the question of how to allocate the income from
the new subscription rate and his proposal that
Old Timers have a Good
‘We shall be talking about this for weeks to come,’
said one of the retired members enjoying the
annual summer outing on June 22.
Those who couldn’t make the starting-point were
collected beforehand, and two coachloads left
Mitcheldean at noon on a day of unbroken
sunshine. At Tenbury, near Ludlow, they
wandered round the ‘Treasure’ filled gardens of
historic Burford House. Everyone stretched their
legs, even if they needed the aid of a stick or the
arm of a friend to get along.
Brecon was next stop and sweets and fruit handed
out by Doris Barker and Kate Matthews helped to
keep thirst at bay – difficult with a Corona lorry
driving tantalisingly in front ! A refreshing salad
tea was waiting at Bishops Meadow Motel where
Chairman Henry Phi /lips came along to give them a good send-o.
_ ode
J. Ingram
Arthur Harper, retiring after 29 years’ service
receives a chiming clock from Bob Baker on
behalf of the LSA. His workmates in the Machine
Shop gave him a cheque, presented by Don Peates
four-fifths should go to general fund and one-fifth
to the retirement fund was passed unanimously.
The president and vice-presidents were all
re-elected and the chairman and secretary remain
in office. The committee is now as follows:
Miss Kate Matthews, Mrs Jackie Smith, Tony
Cale, Jock Currie, Wally Grainger and Chris
Malsom, plus two newcomers – Bill Beech and
George Turner.
Time
there was a panoramic view of the Beacons.
On to the Crown at Whitchurch for bread, cheese
and sausage rolls, washed down with drinks, all
‘on the house’. Lillian Howells of Medical soon
had a sing-song going, with Harold Hartley doing
wonders at the piano, and Bill Knapgate and
others giving solos (92-year-old Mr Barker’s
comic song was a wow).
All received a take-home gift and it was gone
midnight when the last person had been brought
safely back (First Aider Tony Cale was never called
on to administer the kiss of life !).
Thank you, all whose generosity made the outing
possible, and congratulations to the organisers on
being efficient and friendly.
12
HOME MARKET
For Sale
At Newent, three-bedroom semi-detached house,
corner site, detached garage. Built 1966, £4,750.
Apply : J. Powell, Tool Room.
Silver Cross doll’s pram for seven to eight year
old. Offers invited : contact Miss Linda Preece,
Mail Room. Tel : 196 int.
Ford 100E spares for sale. Apply : Miss V. Burris,
Progress. Tel. 407 int.
Red leather swivel chair, practically new, £12.50.
Reply to: Graham Jones, 63 Parks Road,
Mitcheldean.
Glazed window frames: 5ft. 8in. by 5ft. with picture
window and one opening window; 5ft by 6ft. 7in.
with two opening windows and centre fixed
window with fanlight over. £6 each. Tel. Drybrook
415 after 7.30 pm.
Carmen ‘Dreamy Bird’ wig, black curls, medium
length, £5 o.n.o. Contact : Mrs. M. Jaynes.
Tel. 682 int.
Child’s car seat, as new. Contact : H. Cecil, PED.
Tel. 638 int.
Motek 1-track tape recorder. Input mixing,
monitoring, superimpose facilities. Live sound
with sound. 21-watt internal speaker plus line
output. 7-inch reels. Complete with microphone,
recording lead, instructions and 1 800 ft tape.
E17.50, no offers. Also linear 30-watt solid state
amplifier. Three separately controlled inputs.
Treble and bass cut and boost. 3-1 5 ohm
output. New and unused, £18, no offers.
rel. 174 int. or evenings Drybrook 321.
IDC driver Ron Martell holds the Scott Memorial
Cup which he won by achieving first place in
Class E (articulated lorries) in the Oxford
eliminating contest for the 1971 ‘Driver of the
year’ contest. John Brown came fifth in the same
class of eight entries, while Larry Gardiner came
fourth out of 13 in Class C (rigid vehicles). The
men were up against stiff competition from
drivers representing organisations such as the
BRS, GPO and RAF, reports Transport section
leader Jeff Lewis. Ron now goes forward to the
finals at Bramcote, near Nuneaton, next
September.
Star in TED
As an army lieutenant who lost both the men
under his command and his trousers, and had
difficulty in explaining how it all happened to his
new CO, Roger Ridler of TED would hardly
appear destined for success. But this performance
has made him one of the winners of the 1 971
British Drama League Festival, and earned him
personal praise from Dame Flora Robson.
Roger is a member of the Wye Players of Hereford
who, this year, for the third time in their history,
won the all-England finals. With aid from
admirers, including the Mayor of Hereford, the
Players managed to convey themselves plus
scenery to Edinburgh where on June 26, third
time lucky, they won the British finals and the
Howard de Walden cup.
The Goodrich Arts Society must also feel
encouraged. Last spring they entered a one-act
in the Herefordshire heat of the festival (Peter
Grainger, Personnel Development Manager,
Tilly Wall of Spares Et Sub-assembly, and her
husband John of 3600 Dept were three of the
cast of five) and they won the David Garrick
cup, beating the ultimate British champions.
Then when they and the runners-up, the Wye
Players, went forward to the Midland area finals,
the Players came top, and went on to dizzier
heights.
CHESS CHALLENGE
It was way back in the early 1 960s when the last
Wickstead Shield Chess KO Competition took
place. Then the event lapsed and the shield began
to gather dust.
Harry Helm, who was one of the winning team all
those years ago, felt it was high time the dust was
blown off, so he made some challenging remarks.
Thirty-nine people rose to the bait (that’s 13 teams
of three), and as we went to press organisers
Harry and Robin Berks of Pre-Production Control
were awaiting results of the first round of matches.
And when it is over – who knows, we may
find we have got ourselves a Chess Club once
more.
11111 III1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111I1 1111111111111111111
According to a question listed on an Order Paper
some months ago, Mr Edward Bishop, the
Member of Parliament for Newark, wanted the
Secretary of State for Employment to tell him the
final number of days lost to industry last year
through strikes, lock-outs, accidents and illness
‘given in major categories, including influenza,
rheumatism, broken down by sex’. Unfortunately
we missed the opportunity of reporting this last,
and very interesting, statistic.
13
THEY WON
EVERY CUP
This last was the most successful season yet for
the Rank Xerox table tennis section, with their
players winning every cup available in the Lydney
Et District League.
It was the third season for the team, consisting of
Brian (Killer) Smith, Bob (Forehand) Toomer,
Ted (the one and only) Wenderlish, Stuart (The
Loop) Jones and Andrew (Goldilocks) Davis.
By a narrow margin the team snatched the league
cup from the past holders. J. Allen (Rubber) Co.,
who hope to ‘bounce’ back next season ( !) The
cup, plus a large dent caused by Bob trying to
‘snatch’ it a little too hard, is being put on display
in the Club House.
A team consisting of Andrew, Bob and Stuart
thrashed all opposition to take the handicap
knock-out cup from the previous holders, Factory
Direction. This cup was collected by another
team member, Bob still ‘getting over’ his nasty
experience with the league cup !
In an all-Rank final of the handicap singles cup,
Stuart just managed to beat Bob, amid barracking
from Brian, who was not really jealous- he just
enjoys barracking. Also in an all-Rank doubles
final between Stuart and Bob, and Andrew and
Ted, the former couple had a lucky win, this view
being shared by Brian who could not express it
as he had been tied and gagged to ensure peace !
These cups too are being displayed in the Club
House after engraving.
It is hoped next season to enter a team for the
Gloucester League, and anyone interested in
table tennis is invited to contact Bob Toomer
(Model Shop, tel. 588 int.) or to come along to
the Club House during lunchtime.- A.D.
It may have been the 13th, but for the Amateur
Cine & Photographic Club that warm Sunday in
June was a lucky choice for their trip to Windsor.
An optional steamer trip to Marlow was cancelled
because the river was in full spate so the party of
50 spent their time in the Safari Park and Castle.
Films, slides and photographs taken on the trip
will be shown later, but we’re getting in first with
this picture taken on the way home by Jack Seal.
Touting for Talent
The Variety Club are going ahead with plans for a
new kind of entertainment in September but it all
depends on you whether the show goes on. It’s
to be a talent contest, and anyone who can ‘do a
turn’ behind the footlights is asked to obtain an
entry form from: John Earl, Production Control,
Building 23, Jean Evans, Spares Programming,
Building 40, or any member of the Variety Club
committee.
Talking of talent, Stores chargehand Andy Hardy,
who comperes the Variety Club shows, recently
returned from Butlin’s, Bognor Regis, with a silver
cup which he won in a knock-out talent
competition. A great entertainer, Andy made such
an impression that the entertainments manager at
Bognor promised to recommend him to Hughie
Green for the show ‘Opportunity Knocks’.
A flautist, saxophonist, violinist, pianist and
organist, with some 40 years’ experience both as
professional and amateur musician, Jack Benbow
of Variety Club fame would appear to be well
equipped to perform as a one-man band.
However, he is seeking the co-operation of other
instrumentalists (strings especially) in forming a
small variety orchestra to support the club
performances (juniors welcome). Please contact
him at the IDC, Gloucester, or at 36 Eastern
Avenue, Mitcheldean, if you can help in an
instrumental way.
A ‘wedding, with bells, book and even candles,
was arranged in 3600 Assembly between
bride-to-be Shirley Wilstead and Terry Weaving
(that’s him in the bowler). Dennis Trigg was best
man (he had the shotgun) and bridesmaids
Peggy Grindle and Bernice Hunter carried broccoli
bouquets. The Rev Ray Pickthall performed the
ceremony and Medical Dept even produced an
instant barnbino! J. Ingram
14
Putting IYOUlin the picture
New Arrivals
Suzanne Elaine, a daughter for John George
(PED) and his wife Diane (formerly Design
Office), on March 13.
Graham Terence, a son for Terence Morgan
(Maintenance), on April 2.
Jason Michael, a son for Mike Brown (forklift
driver, IDC Gloucester), on April 18.
Christian Philip, a son for Mrs Margaret Rimmer
(formerly Production Control), on April 30.
Adam, a son for Robert Taylor (Design D.O.), on
May 16.
Christine, a daughter for Gerald Townley
(Carpenters Shop), on May 18.
Alison Jane, a daughter for Jeff Lewis (Transport
section leader, IDC Gloucester) and his wife
Jennifer (formerly Personnel), on May 19.
Fiona, a daughter for Don Jefferies (Design 0.0.),
on May 25.
Corinne Adele, a daughter for Phil Williams
(Design D.O.), on May 27.
Lisa Louise, a daughter for Mrs Pam Creed
(formerly 3600 Assembly), on June 7.
Congratulations to-
Frank Abbott (Remodelling chargehand) and his
wedding was on May 8.
Shirley with her real
bridegroom Julian Grail
Mr & Mrs Robert Harris
Dean Forest Studios
Mr & Mrs Ken Aston
R. L Evans
Mr &
21sts
Mrs Linda Wood (Accounts) on May 17.
Miss Ann Watts (secretary to Mr B. D. Crosby,
Manager, Production Control) on June 1.
Miss Jenny Melhuisa (Remodelling) on June 18.
Miss Veronica Frost (Comps., Accounts) on
June 25.
Weddings
Graham Parker (apprentice) to Miss Megan
Powell (Cost Office) at St Michael’s & All Angels.
Mitcheldean. on April 3.
Miss Christine Brain (Accounts) to Ken Aston
(Purchase) at St Michael’s Et All Angels,
Mitcheldean, on May 1.
Miss Diane Jones (Education & Training) to
Robert Harris (Pre-Production Control) at
St Stephen’s Church, Cinderford;
Paul Humberstone (Wages) to Miss Patricia Ruck
at Monmouth Congregational Church on May 29:
Miss Christine Stacey (Machine Shop print
library) to John Wilby at Walford Parish Church ;
all on May 29.
Miss Shirley Wilstead to Julian Grail at the
Forest Church on Whit Monday.
Miss Christine Clayson (Purchase) to Sanford
Gaylard (Machine Shop) at Longhope Church,
June 5.
Engagements
Miss Jenny Melhuisa (Remodelling) to Geoffrey
Watkins on May 15.
Miss Heather Lewis (Remodelling) to Geoff
Powell on June 26.
Miss Jane Howell (Comps., Accounts) to Keith
Murrell (Small Batch), on July 3.
Best Wishes to –
Harry L. Mason (Quality Control) who retires on
August 27.
Mrs Sanford Gaylord
A. Hamblin
Mr & Mrs Paul Humberstone
Hammonds Photography. Hereford
1 5
Your Pay
is their concern
Their new ground floor office in Administration
Building is tailor-made for Wages, being adjacent
to the computer facility which produces the
payroll.
In the spacious reception area there are two
windows enabling more people than hitherto
to be attended to in reasonable privacy. Fitted
cupboards with sliding doors on the inside of the
counter contain all works and staff pay information
so enquiries can be handled with minimum delay.
(The department is now fully centralised and deals
with all matters concerning pay, including
unclaimed wages.)
If you have pay problems, don’t struggle alone;
Wages say they’ll be pleased to help callers on
Mondays and Fridays. 9 to 11 am, Wednesdays
10 to 12 am and Thursdays 2 to 4.30 pm. It saves
valuable time, by the way, if people ‘phoning
explain their problems first before asking for a
particular person.
With such a large payroll as ours, security is of
course vital, and all windows have been reinforced
with wire, venetian blinds give protection from
sun and scrutiny by outsiders, and an alarm
system alerts nearby Security HQ – just in case of
a smash-and-grab attempt.
Quiet is essential too for concentration –
disturbances might result in an addition to a wage
packet becoming a deletion – and the wall-to-wall
carpeting and false ceiling of acoustic tiles help
in this respect. And though they’re not an
inhospitable lot, they just have to keep the door
locked, in everyone’s interests.
The customers aren’t always right, but they can
count on a careful investigation into their case
The men behind the money – Salaries & Wages
Supervisor Alan Cryer (right) with Assistant
Supervisor George Turner.
Where every day is a day of reckoning – the
general Wages Office
Mobile exhibitions of manufacturers’ product
ranges do visit us from time to time but the recent
one-day display put on for us by Thomas Mercer
Ltd of St Albans, makers of all types of gauges,
was somewhat more ambitious. It was set up on
the top floor of Building 40 where we supplied the
required power drops and air lines. Attended by
16
four demonstrators, the measuring equipment was
inspected by groups from Quality Control, TED,
PED and certain shop floor personnel. Ron
Teague, Gauge Engineering Manager, at whose
invitation the exhibition was staged, reports that
the experiment was generally felt to have been
very useful.
Printed in England by Taylor, Young (Printers) Ltd.
